On Feb. 28, the Australian indie/folk rock band The Paper Kites graced the Ogden Theatre during the last leg of their North American tour, supporting their new album “At The Roadhouse.” Before the doors opened, the line extended two blocks and was filled with excited concertgoers ready to hear some indie magic. After some troubles with snow and ice, The Paper Kites posted on their Instagram story that they would have to push the show back an hour and a half. But for their sold-out show at Ogden, this only increased the anticipation. 

When I got in line at 8:30 p.m., all I could hear were the fans around me talking over one another about which song they hoped to hear. After a patient 30 minutes, I entered the Ogden and was elated to see the packed crowd inside. 

Soon after, the opener, Bella White, came on the stage. At first, I was surprised that they chose a bluegrass artist to begin their show, but once Bella started strumming her guitar and singing with her angelic voice, I soon understood. She was a perfect complement to the soulful sounds of The Paper Kites.

After long anticipation, The Paper Kites took to the stage.

They played their opening two songs, getting the crowd ready for the emotional rollercoaster of their set. “At The Roadhouse” is named after the process they went through to write each song. The band opened a bar in Australia called The Roadhouse where they played free shows for a few months to create their newest album. This process brought them closer together, which was apparent as each instrument intertwined and each voice glued to one another, creating sounds perfectly pleasing to the ear. 

After thanking their fans for coming and apologizing for the delay, they informed the audience that they hadn’t canceled a show in 13 years, and they were not about to start now. The band proceeded to play “Hurts So Good,” one of my personal favorites, which was met with booming applause from the crowd as they announced the song. Looking back at the crowd with tears in my eyes, I could see just how moving their music was to everyone around me.

After the first few songs, lead singer Sam Bentley asked the crowd for requests, which was met with the response “Bloom” to which he laughed and said “the couples always want to hear that.” Bentley explained that they really are playing for the couples out there, but most of the time people leave wondering if they are with the right person. 

The deep emotional feelings of the music brought everyone together in that theater as they continued their set, but just when the vibe was leading to heartbreak, they walked off stage. 

The audience started hearing a voiceover that confused and piqued fans’ interest.. When they walked back out and re-equipped their instruments, they broke out into a booming rock song called “June’s Stolen Car” and the crowd’s energy was electric. Everyone danced to the new song, fresh off the album. The Paper Kites truly showcased the power of their musicality.

Then, just when I thought we wouldn’t hear it, the group gathered around Bentley and his microphone and combined their voices in harmony to deliver their hit song “Bloom.” This was a highlight of the night, as the entire crowd sang along. The voices around me began to blend into one and I was taken away. 

They walked off the stage as the crowd went wild, chanting “one more song” to which they happily obliged. The Paper Kites ended the night with a three-song encore, finishing off with one of their most famous songs “Paint” in the same harmonious fashion, standing around Bentley’s mic. They gave a special thanks to their entire crew and left the stage signing off, “We’ll see you again at Red Rocks,” leaving the crowd mind-blown and wondering when and if they were going to release more dates. All in all, it was an unforgettable night filled with good music and thought-ridden emotion.